Take our Free Practice Tests for the 2026 CLT.

• About the CLT
• Sections of the CLT
  • Grammar and Writing
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Verbal Reasoning
• What to Expect on Test Day
  • What to Bring
  • What Not to Bring
• Best Ways to Study for the CLT
  • Take CLT Test Practice Tests
  • Use Alternative Study Methods
  • Simulate the Testing Experience
• CLT Tips and Tricks
  • Know the Classics
  • Familiarize Yourself with Classic Philosophers
  • Understand Logic
• CLT FAQ:
  • 1. Can I substitute my CLT score for ACT or SAT scores for college admission?
  • 2. Can I retake the CLT to improve my scores?
  • 3. Can I take the CLT remotely?
  • 4. Is the CLT offered in any other languages?

About the CLT

The CLT is an alternative to the ACT and SAT that focuses on classical learning. There are three sections: Verbal Reasoning (reading), Grammar and Writing (writing), and Quantitative Reasoning (math). There is also an optional essay section for those who take the test in person.

Sections of the CLT

Grammar and Writing

In this section, the questions will ask you to analyze written passages by classical authors to determine whether their message could be improved through punctuation, word choice, sentence structure, and general grammar rule adherence. It’s important to understand that, while these authors are revered and often quoted, many of them wrote in a different era, and there may be ways to improve the messaging for a modern audience.

Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning questions will assess skills taught in your high school algebra and geometry classes, with a little trigonometry thrown in. These questions will not be simple calculation questions. Instead, you will often need to create a numerical problem to solve by first analyzing a real-world word problem. You’ll also need to apply logic to answer several questions.

Verbal Reasoning

The questions in this section test your ability to read and comprehend excerpts from the works of classical authors, from ancient to modern times. You will not only need to extract facts from these works but also analyze and reason about what you have read. There will be evidence to find and relationships between passages and statements to determine.

What to Expect on Test Day

Your testing experience will depend on its location. If you take the test at school, the test administrator will tell you what to expect. If you test remotely, you must work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the test day because that is when technical support is available.

What to Bring

There will probably not be any items needed if you test at school, but your test administrator can give you more details about this. If you test remotely (proctored), information will be available when you register.

What Not to Bring

No calculators are allowed, regardless of your testing location.

Best Ways to Study for the CLT

Take CLT Test Practice Tests

The best way to acquaint yourself with the CLT format is to use practice tests that are specifically designed for it, such as those offered by Union Test Prep. This will help you become familiar with the types of questions and passages used, as well as the style of questions you will see.

Use Alternative Study Methods

Answering practice questions is not the only way to study. You should seek out material that details how to make sense of classical passages written by the CLT’s bank of authors. The writings of authors on this list are used in at least 75% of the test questions in the Verbal Reasoning and Grammar and Writing sections of the CLT.

You can also review concepts by using our CLT study guides, while drilling with our CLT flashcards can help to vary the study experience. Creating a study group with friends who plan to take the test is also a great idea. You can quiz each other, which often allows for a more fun and helpful learning experience.

Simulate the Testing Experience

Since the CLT is a timed test, setting a timer when you attempt practice questions is important. This will give you an idea of the pace needed to finish all the questions on test day.

CLT Tips and Tricks

Know the Classics

If you received your education in a classical school setting, you are already familiar with the authors and passage types you’ll see on the CLT. If not, it’s important to read classical authors and familiarize yourself with their writing styles.

Familiarize Yourself with Classic Philosophers

Philosophy is another important aspect of the CLT’s passages and questions. Become familiar with influential philosophers and their schools of thought.

Understand Logic

Many of the questions on the CLT require you to access logic skills to find the correct answer. Be sure you understand how logic operates and can apply it when answering questions.

CLT FAQ:

1. Can I substitute my CLT score for ACT or SAT scores for college admission?

It’s possible, but you should first ensure that your college is one of the approximately 280 institutions in the US that accepts CLT scores in lieu of ACT and SAT scores. If they don’t, you can still send in your CLT scores as further documentation of your abilities.

2. Can I retake the CLT to improve my scores?

Students can take the CLT as often as they wish, but only once per day.

3. Can I take the CLT remotely?

Yes, there is a remote version of the CLT that is proctored. You can find more information about remote testing on the CLT Remote Proctoring Page.

4. Is the CLT offered in any other languages?

Currently, the CLT is only offered in written English and Braille.